Jin Joong-kwon "Criticizing Cho Kuk: Citizens Can't, But Lee Jae-myung Can?"... Targeting Yoo Si-min

"Yoo Si-min, Apologize First"

Former Chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation Yoo Si-min (left) and former Dongyang University professor Jin Jung-kwon. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Former director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation Yoo Si-min defended Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate's so-called 'Cho Kuk incident' apology, while former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized Yoo's interview remarks.

Earlier, on the 9th, Yoo appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and explained Lee's apology regarding the 'Cho Kuk incident' by saying, "If you can't even talk, you can't be called a presidential candidate," and added, "The more clearly and strongly someone criticizes, the more they must be prepared to face greater criticism if they act contrary to that. (Lee) was referring to that point."

In response, Jin posted on his Facebook, "Yoo Si-min should apologize first for the Cho Kuk incident. Who caused pain to those who spoke the truth?" and criticized, "It's absurd that the person who led the cyber fascists who collectively lynched those criticizing the Cho Kuk incident is now saying this."

He continued, "So citizens shouldn't criticize Cho Kuk, but Lee Jae-myung can criticize him a bit? Lee has become the new leader served by the pro-establishment intellectuals."

When a netizen commented on the post, "Professor, please appear on broadcast and talk about supporting Yoon Seok-youl," Jin replied, "Give me a reason to support."

Meanwhile, Yoo has consistently criticized the prosecution's investigation and media coverage related to former Minister Cho since 2019. In August 2019, he said, "The desire to bring down Cho Kuk dominates the media. Humans are frightening."

Regarding the candlelight protests by Seoul National University students demanding Cho's resignation at the time, he remarked, "I can't tell whether there were more Seoul National University students at the rally or more people from the Korean Party who came to watch," and added, "In the past, when we had to speak the truth and feared disadvantages from criticism, we wore masks and protested. I don't understand why people cover their faces with masks at rallies in situations like now."

On the same day (the 9th), he also targeted the prosecution's investigation of Cho, claiming, "Generally, people commit speeding violations where there are no cameras, but only I have a GPS tracker attached, and all my traffic violations are caught and fined. There is a question whether such exercise of prosecutorial power was appropriate."